Gaze Quote by Eilis O'Neal
““I can’t get to Melaina--she doesn’t keep regular rooms at the college. But you could…watch her, follow her maybe. And maybe we should go to the college, follow Neomar or break into his rooms or something.” “Breaking and entering,” Kiernan said wryly. He had been watching me rub my head with a worried expression on his face. “I’m not sure those are the kind of wild oats my parents want me to get rid of, but they’ll do in a pinch.” I laughed, which I think was what he wanted, but as the laughter subsided, he said, “But you’re sure we can’t go to the king and queen? They’ll be able to…do it properly. Haul people in and question them, search Neomar’s and Melaina’s rooms openly.” “We can’t. They’ll think that I’m mad, or bent on revenge, and that I’ve--I don’t know--used my wiles on you to make you believe me.” Kiernan raised an eyebrow. “Your wiles?” I flushed, but pushed on. “The point is, they won’t believe us. It sounds crazy.””
About This Quote
The speaker debates whether to confront a problem directly or use indirect, possibly unethical, methods, fearing judgment and mistrust.
In simple terms: Choosing between honest confrontation and covert tactics.
Key Takeaway
Weigh honesty against potential fallout.
Themes
ethics
trust
strategy
Mood
tension
uncertainty
Type
narrative
reflective
When to use this quote
- investigations
- family disputes
- corporate espionage
- legal inquiries
Key Concepts
moral dilemmas
risk assessment
authority challenges
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the long‑term consequences of deception?
- When is it justified to bypass official channels?
A Different Perspective
Covert actions can erode trust and create larger problems.
